*38 week check-up & Birth Story*

Tuesday was the 38th week check-up. It was discovered that I have PIH (Pregnancy Induced Hypertension). Dr. Lee suggested inducing the morning of Thursday 4/24. So, I was admitted to the hospital Wednesday @ 5 p.m. to start Cervidil. Cervidil is inserted into the cervix to ripen/soften for inducing. It was pretty painful, but once inside it didn't bother me.

This morning (4/24) at 3 a.m., I woke up to contractions. I was in denial until
5ish when I finally asked for drugs. Shortly after, the Cervidil was removed & Pitocin was started around 5:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m. I asked for more drugs. The contractions were pretty strong & very uncomfortable. Dr. Lee arrived at 9:30 a.m. & broke my water (I was 2 cm progressing well). At 10:45 a.m. it was time for the Epidural (I was 4 cm). The epi wasn't nearly as painful as I thought it would be! Maybe it was because my contractions were taking priority over a needle going in my back! Finally at 12:30 p.m.when the nurse came in I told her that I felt lots of pressure & a need to push. She checked me & said 'oh, we're about to have a baby'. That was music to my ears. Not that I was in pain or anything, but what I have dreamed about for so long was about to become a reality.

Addison Claire was born at 1:33 p.m. & weighs 6lbs 6ozs. Blake was a brave daddy & cut the cord! Unfortunately, the cord was around her neck, she was very pale & her heart rate had increased during labor. She was placed on my chest for just a few seconds & then taken away to the NICU. The next time I saw her was when we were moving from the Labor & Delivery room to the post-partum room. She was fussing & kicking (just like she did in my belly). When the dr was removing cord from Addison's neck - it broke. This caused significant blood loss & Addison was in critical condition. Right now Addison is on oxygen, has IV's in each arm & one in her belly going to an artery. Blake & I will see her again at 9 & will hopefully have more answers. Thanks for all your calls & prayers! I will keep everyone posted.
Love,
Dewana, Blake & Addison